Starting Seeds - Back to the Basics

I feel like this year is when I relearn everything I thought I knew about gardening. 3 weeks ago I turned 35; it feels like a great time to "refresh" and hone in on what little gardening skills I have. 

I've always been so careless when it came to seed starting. Using random potting mixes, not following the specs on the back of the pack, and kind of just "setting and forgetting" them. I'm not sure why, I would do the research (with contradicting options from about every article or book I read) and get all the equipment I needed, why was I so lazy? I was overwhelmed, I had too much information, and not to mention excitement, I think I just froze. 

I'm taking a different approach this year. 

First of all, I'm off social media. This is my second time doing this, about 2016-2018 I took a huge break from social media, and I loved it! I'm not even sure why I went back, I think I had FOMO. Next, I'm not going to reinvent the wheel, I have all the supplies I need, I don't need to try the latest hack. My trays and plastic pots that I have used for the last few years will work just fine. Next, I don't need to make my own bougee soil. The last few years I had made it a mission to completely remove peat from all my gardening, that was a huge mistake and my seedlings suffered greatly. Lastly, I need to be more mindful, get connected again and really pay attention. My soul needs this.

Taken this morning, it has been snowing for days. Its so calm and beautiful - cold but peaceful

The Set Up!

A 4 shelf bookcase with LED's (NOMA brand, my houseplants love these! you can switch between red and blue light) They sit about 6 inches above most plants.

2 short wire racks (homedepot) one set up with LED shop lights, and fluorescents. (I use chains to adjust the height, and use the "daylight" fluorescents 6500K)

I use heat mats when necessary, and there are a few single bulb grow lights that I use for my lemon tree and jasmine. 

Soil:

I used Golfgreen "seed starting" mix, it had a lot of sticks so that sucked. I also had a bag of peat moss to use, so I added all of it in a big tote and gave it a mix ( I also added dolomitic lime for the PH from using just peat) Another thing I read was to pack your soil down pretty well AND you want it to be wet, not soaking, but it can't be hydrophobic, which thinking back now, that was a huge issue for me. I also followed the seed pack directions. Success! lets see how long I keep that up for.

Vermiculite:

I love this stuff, I put it in my houseplant soil blend for water retention but also it provides space in the soil for roots. For seed starting, a lot of gardeners use it to top their pots, just a thin layer. This helps retain moisture AND helps keep mold off the top of your soil. I'm trying it! I did some with and some without to see if I notice a difference.

Humidity Domes and Heat Mats:

I used both for my hot loving plants, like peppers and onions. (I also put these trays under the fluorescent lights because they are warm!)

Watering:

I can't let these dry out, a huge issue for me. I will try and check them daily, misting from the top before germination, and bottom watering after. 

LEDs

Lighting:

I will have the lights on for about 16 hours per day. I will grow most of these under LEDs once germinated, I have found them much stronger that the fluorescents. 

Fluorescents + Heat Mats

Other Notes:

Seeds don't need fertilizer! they have all the nutrition they need in their seed to get going. I will fertilize once they have 2 or 3 sets of true leaves.

I need to stay on top of repotting. These seedlings don't want to be root bound, and not to mention, they dry out faster!

Watch for early signs of pests. I think I have irradicated my recent battle with Thrips, but they are so tricky, I do not want them on my seedlings. 

Set up a fan! That air circulation is crucial, and with the door having to be closed during the day, it is going to get warm and stagnant in there!

ENJOY THE PROCESS! I need to start enjoying my time more, using all my senses to keep my mind in the present.  

2022 

I will write a separate post that mentions what seeds I have started already and what my plans are for growing and harvesting indoors for 2025!